In Situ Leach (ISL) mining is a uranium mining technique that involves injecting a lixiviant, or leaching solution, into an underground uranium deposit to dissolve the uranium and pump it to the surface for processing. ISL is a type of in situ mining, which means that it is a mining method that does not require excavating or removing the uranium ore from the ground.
ISL uranium mining has been used extensively in the United States and is currently the predominant mining method in Kazakhstan. The first ISL uranium mine in the United States, the Smith Ranch-Highland mine, began operating in 1978. In 2010, ISL accounted for 54% of the world’s uranium production.
The Process of In Situ Leach Mining
In ISL mining, a leaching solution is injected through wells into the uranium ore deposit. The leaching solution then dissolves the uranium in the ore and is pumped to the surface, where the uranium is then recovered from the solution.
In order to keep the leaching solution in contact with the uranium ore, it is necessary to pump it continuously through the deposit. This is done by injecting the leaching solution into the deposit through a series of injection wells and pumping it out of the deposit through a series of production wells.
Once the uranium has been extracted from the leaching solution, it is then processed to extract the uranium. The uranium is then typically converted into uranium hexafluoride (UF6), which is the form in which uranium is enriched, and then sold to nuclear power plants.
Advantages of In Situ Leach Mining
ISL mining has several advantages over other mining methods. These advantages include the following:
1. ISL mining is a low-cost mining method.
2. ISL mining is a safe mining method.
3. ISL mining is an environmentally friendly mining method.
4. ISL mining can be used to mine deposits that are too small or too low-grade to be mined using other mining methods.
5. ISL mining can be used to mine deposits that are located in environmentally sensitive areas.
The Future of In Situ Leach Mining
The use of ISL mining is likely to increase in the future due to the advantages it offers over conventional mining methods. ISL mining is less invasive than conventional mining and does not require the removal of overburden. This can result in a lower environmental impact and a reduced need for rehabilitation following mining. ISL mining can also be used to extract uranium from lower-grade ores, which would otherwise be uneconomic to mine using conventional methods.
Conclusion
ISL mining of uranium is a type of mining that has many benefits. It is a cost-effective and safe method of mining that can be used in areas where other mining methods are not possible. ISL mining is also a green method of mining that does not require the use of chemicals or other harmful substances.
As the founder and Executive Chairman of enCore Uranium (TSXV:EU), Mr. Sheriff has advanced the company from inception to a near term producer with a multi-jurisdictional United States asset base. Mr. Sheriff is an entrepreneur and visionary with over 40 years’ experience in the minerals industry and the securities industry, and has been responsible for significant capital raises along with corporate developments. For more information on in-situ recovery, send a question on our website today!
